Palmitic acid
MolecularEntityThe most abundant saturated fatty acid in human skin, tallow, and sebum. The primary product of endogenous fatty acid synthesis and the direct substrate for serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT).
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30 entities found starting with P Clear filters
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Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
ChemicalSubstanceMatrixyl is a palmitoylated pentapeptide that signals fibroblasts to boost collagen I, III, and IV, glycosaminoglycans, and fibronectin, making it one of the most studied cosmetic signal peptides.
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Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
ChemicalSubstanceA signal peptide that delivers the GHK matrikine sequence to dermal fibroblasts via a palmitoyl tail, stimulating collagen I, III, and IV synthesis and fibronectin production.
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Pantothenic acid
ChemicalSubstanceWater-soluble B vitamin and the intracellular metabolite of dexpanthenol in skin tissue. Supports energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis. Drives keratinocyte proliferation and fibroblast function.
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Papillary dermis
AnatomicalStructureThe uppermost zone of the dermis, sitting directly beneath the epidermis.
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Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia
MedicalConditionParadoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare adverse event following cryolipolysis in which the treated area develops an increase in fat volume rather than the expected reduction.
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Peptides
ChemicalSubstancePeptides are short amino‑acid chains that act as targeted signalling molecules in skincare, directing fibroblasts, melanocytes, immune cells, and neuromuscular junctions.
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Perimenopausal skin changes
MedicalConditionPerimenopausal skin changes describe the cascade of biological alterations across every layer of the skin that accompany declining oestrogen during the menopausal transition.
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Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha
ProteinNuclear receptor and lipid sensor coordinating ceramide, free fatty acid, and cholesterol synthesis simultaneously in keratinocytes.
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Photoageing
BiologicalProcessThe pattern of UV-driven extrinsic skin ageing, distinct from chronological ageing in its mechanisms, distribution, and clinical appearance. Characterised by collagen fragmentation, solar elastosis.
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Phytoceramides
ChemicalSubstancePlant-derived ceramides taken orally, with research showing improved skin hydration after 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
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Pilosebaceous Unit
AnatomicalStructureThe pilosebaceous unit is the functional skin structure comprising a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle.
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Platelet
AnatomicalStructureSmall anucleate cell fragments produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, circulating in blood for seven to ten days before natural clearance.
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Platelet-derived growth factor
BioChemEntityA family of growth factors stored in platelet alpha granules and released on activation, functioning primarily as a recruitment signal that drives fibroblast migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis
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Platelet-rich fibrin
BioChemEntityPlatelet‑rich fibrin is an autologous fibrin matrix that traps platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors, releasing them slowly over 7–14 days for longer activity than PRP.
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Platelet-Rich Plasma
BioChemEntityA concentrated blood-derived preparation containing 3-5 times normal platelet levels, rich in growth factors that signal tissue repair and collagen synthesis.
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Platelet-rich plasma therapy
MedicalTherapyRegenerative treatment using your concentrated blood plasma to stimulate natural collagen production and tissue repair in facial skin or thinning hair areas.
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Poly-gamma-glutamic acid
MolecularEntityPoly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) is a naturally occurring anionic polypeptide. Its polyanionic structure gives it physical and biological properties that distinguish it from standard humectants.
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Poly-L-Lactic Acid
MedicalTherapyA biodegradable synthetic polymer injected as microspheres to stimulate gradual collagen neogenesis via a controlled foreign body response and direct fibroblast PI3K/AKT activation.
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Polydeoxyribonucleotide
MedicalTherapyPDRN is a DNA-derived biopolymer prepared from salmon or trout sperm cells, specifically referring to the shorter-chain fragment preparations in the 50–1,500 kDa molecular weight range.
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Polynucleotides
MedicalTherapyDNA-derived injectable treatment that stimulates tissue regeneration whilst calming inflammation, particularly beneficial for reactive or sensitised skin.
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Polyunsaturated fatty acids
ChemicalSubstanceA class of dietary fats defined by multiple double bonds in their carbon chain. Includes the omega-3 and omega-6 families.
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Postprandial glucose response
BiologicalProcessThe acute glucose and insulin trajectory following a meal, its amplitude, timing, and descent, determining both the immediate neurological environment and glycation accumulation.
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Pro‑opiomelanocortin
ProteinA single polypeptide precursor that, depending on which tissue processes it, yields entirely different biological outcomes: appetite suppression, cortisol production, photoprotective pigmentation.
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Proline
ChemicalSubstanceAn amino acid that forms the structural backbone of the collagen triple helix, where it provides rigidity and resistance to mechanical stress.
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Protease-activated receptor 2
ProteinA protease‑activated GPCR that guides normal barrier repair under controlled activation but amplifies inflammation, itch, and Th2 signalling when protease activity is dysregulated.
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Psoriasis
MedicalConditionA T-cell-mediated autoimmune skin disease driven by the IL-23/Th17 axis, producing keratinocyte hyperproliferation and systemic inflammatory burden extending to joints and cardiovascular tissue.
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Psychological stress
MedicalConditionPsychological stress produces measurable, mechanistically defined changes in skin biology, including accelerated collagen degradation, DNA damage, and inflammageing.
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Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid
ChemicalSubstanceA naturally occurring humectant produced in the stratum corneum from filaggrin-derived glutamine. One of the largest single components of natural moisturising factor (NMF) by volume.
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Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
ProteinThe mitochondrial enzyme that converts pyruvate to acetyl‑CoA and is inhibited by PDK‑mediated phosphorylation, gating glucose entry into oxidative metabolism.